Come Get Those Tart Apricots in Chikuma City!

Fresh apricots are once again in season, and Chikuma City (just south of Nagano City) is Japan’s largest grower of apricots.

Apricots are once again in season in Chikuma City

Called “anzu” in Japanese, apricots here actually come in an amazing array of varieties, from the tart heritage varieties to newcomers from North America such as the sweeter “harcot” variety.

Chikuma City’s “Mori” district is known as “Anzu no Sato” (Apricot Village). On the other side of the Chikuma River, just downriver from onsen town Togura-Kamiyamada, is Kyohoen‘s orchard. I stopped by the other day and the owner, Takamatsu-san, was in a great mood as apparently this year is a bumper crop. The growers are especially thankful, as last year many of the trees were damaged by frost during the blossom season resulting in a decreased yield.

Besides coming to an orchard and picking (and tasting!) fresh apricots straight from the tree, apricot jam making activities are also available. The season should continue through mid-July.

One Response to “Come Get Those Tart Apricots in Chikuma City!”

みなさんげんきですか。
i am from Hunza valley, Pakistan. i am visiting Nagano city in Japan it is really lovely city surrounded with green forest and well planned city.I also visited some local fruit farms, i saw very healthy big apricots they were really delicious! it is really good to visit this area.